VentureBeat reports

Tyra Banks has done well with her TypeF partnership with Demand Media, but that’s more of a media play that looks to capitalize on the things that have made Banks a successful TV personality. We have to include that though, because there’s really not many other examples of people who’ve made their fortunes in fashion investing in tech ventures (fashion tech ventures included).

There aren’t any specifics on how much the 20% investment cost Rosso’s Red Circle investment holding, but the fund has invested €9.5 million (approximately $13.6 million at today’s exchange rates) across 26 companies in its five year history.

In a statement on the H-farm website, Rosso says “Iâ€m a great fan of H-Farm which I always associate to the Silicon Valley: 250 young people connected with thousands of creative people all over the world. Itâ€s like a hothouse of ideas and innovation which constantly stimulates my vision of the world and of the way to do business. The digital world fascinates and excites me, my personal investment choices are clearly showing it.”

Silicon Valley is still undoubtedly a bit larger than the rural Italian estate that H-farm operates from, but overlooking Venice for up to 3 years sounds like it could have some charm of its own. In addition to the estate, where the seed funded startups are initially based, there are H-farm branches in Seattle, London and Mumbai.

Our favorite quotes:

“[I] draw inspiration from whatever is happening at that moment, whether it be Kanye West, Pharrell, Rage Against The Machine, or Madonna all music is important. I have recently found their attitudes more and more inspirational, and thatâ€s what I like to bring out in my clothing.”

“I recently met with the Dalai Lama and he told me ‘Use your brand and your face to show the work you have done. You have the power to inspire others, and you should take pride in what you have done.†I have learned from that and plan to use my face and my power to send a positive message.”

Read the full story {Fashion Indie}